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Topic: 7D to 5D Mk III - Pull the trigger? (Read 11444 times)

So here is my situation - My primary field of photography that I work in is sports. More specifically, I take pictures throughout northern california at the bicycle races. Lately, though, I have stemmed off into other event photography, such as weddings, triathlons, fun runs, etc. Lately though I have been finding that in smaller areas, specifically indoors, when personal space gets a bit tight, I have been having problems getting the right amount of "space" - i.e., a lot of my shots look cramped/cropped. I feel that I need to change, but I am a bit at a crossroads in terms of what to change. I have taken some time to consider my options, and want to as everybody here if I should go for a 5D MK III and enter the world of full frame.

My only concern with this is that while it may help with my other events, especially indoors, I worry that with my primary focus of sports photography that it will reduce the "reach" that I had with my 7D - in that the subjects will appear further away compared to if I was shooting with my 7D - and as a result I will need to crop the picture to get a bigger version or level of "up close"ness, and therefore be a step backwards.

U-Type

I've been using the 7D since 2009 and been looking to get the 5Dm3 hopefully sometime this year as well Have you gotten a chance to try it out in the field yet? Like a rental or borrowed from a friend perhaps?

I actually have not. I upgraded from an XSi to a 7D last year, and after having the 7D for a year it has produced stellar shots outdoors (which is where I take pictures most of the time). I just wanted to see about upgrading as it may prove useful indoors. My original concern remains though in terms of how it will effect my pictures that I take during the bike races - will I need to physically move closer since the zoom effect will be less pronounced as a result of switching to a FF?

U-Type

Do u find urself often shooting at 200mm with ur 70-200? If not then with the 5Dm3 ull be able to compensate by fully zooming in, then you wont have to worry about cropping. I agree cropping every picture will be a strange thing to do

From what angle do u usually shoot ppl in bike races? Do they move towards u? Or are u on the side and panning ur shots?Oh another note is that using FF ur DOF will be shallower than on the 7D

I would have to say that yes, a majority of my shots are at 200. How will moving to a 5DIII change that?

In terms of the positioning, they are primarily coming towards me as I am usually on the side of the road. I do take panning pictures every once in a while. I don't think that is a concern for me though.

I'm happy with the IQ when outdoors. I'm just not happy with the indoor IQ. I did consider getting a wider (16-35 f/2.8 L) lens, but also am weighing the option of getting FF and how it may have a bigger impact/improvement.

I would have to say that yes, a majority of my shots are at 200. How will moving to a 5DIII change that?

In terms of the positioning, they are primarily coming towards me as I am usually on the side of the road. I do take panning pictures every once in a while. I don't think that is a concern for me though.

You could find yourself feeling the need to move closer to the action, as you don't have that crop factor anymore.

But I'd still say go for the 5D mark III. It is an absolutely amazing camera.

But if you do keep your 7D as a back-up camera, you won't really need to worry as you can just switch back to your 7D.

How often do you use your lens at 200 wide open? If you used a 1.4 TC with the 200 mm your FOV would "almost" be like the 7d and that lens without much of an IQ hit. Would giving up the aperture (2.8 would be f4, I think) be a problem in your outdoor work? If not, this is a much cheaper option than a 300 or 400 mm lens (assuming you don't keep the 7d).

I almost always shoot wide open (f/2. - I mean you buy the thing specifically with that constant aperture - why not maximize it? . Changing to f/4 I don't think would be a big problem, but am not particularly keen on the use of extenders.